GRATITUDE is the flower of the heart.
At the age of 82, Atty. Paterno S. Guevarra can look back and say: "I have done my role as a Citizen of my beloved San Fernando."
Indeed, Guevarra is the last survivor of the triumvirate of the 1970 San Fernando politicians. First, the fiery Armando Biliwang became known as he fought and drove away anti-government forces in this part of the country. Second, Atty. Virgilio Sanchez was unbeatable in debates and kissed every elderly's hands in San Fernando. Third, Atty. Pat Guevarra exemplified humility in public service. All these three gentlemen have left through indelible marks in shaping up San Fernando of what it is today. Pat used to say "G-S-B" means Guevarra, Sanchez and Biliwang. "It means Gold, Silver and Bronze", according to Pat. Both Biliwang and Sanchez have joined their Creator.
Pat is a pioneer member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Pampanga Chapter. He has proven true to his lawyer's oath: "I will do no falsehood nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any groundless, false or unlawful suit, or give aid nor consent to the same; I will delay no man for money or malice."
Prior to 1992, Pat was an honest to goodness Municipal Councilor. He stood to his democratic principles during the martial law era. In 1986, Pat was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the City by the Department of Local Government.
In 1987, the first local elections after the military period, Pat was elected as municipal mayor. He made it easy for businessmen and his constituents to deal with the local government. In 1991 when the Mt. Pinatubo unleashed lahar in the town, Pat rolled his sleeves. He cleared the area and brought normalcy in just a matter of days.
Not exactly in the pink of health, Pat should be credited by the local government of San Fernando, now or never.
His protegee, the incumbent Mayor Edwin "Edsa" Santiago stated: "This tribute is long overdue."